Nigerian Medical Association Rejects Government Circular on Allowances
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekiti State Chapter, has strongly opposed a recent circular issued by the Federal Government regarding the proposed upward review of allowances for health workers. The union has called for the immediate withdrawal of the document before the end of a 21-day ultimatum set by the national body, warning that failure to do so could lead to industrial action.
Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi, the Ekiti State Chairman of the NMA, made these remarks during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. He emphasized the need for urgent government intervention to address the concerns raised by the association.
The Federal Government released the circular through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on June 27, 2025, with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/11/646. This document outlined plans for revising the allowances for health professionals. However, according to Dr. Oreyemi, the circular violates previous Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) that established a clear framework for remuneration across different healthcare roles.
He pointed out that the government’s decision reflects a lack of sensitivity and an apparent disregard for prior agreements with the NMA. The association argues that the circular undermines the principles of fairness and equity that were agreed upon in earlier negotiations.
In addition to demanding the withdrawal of the circular, the NMA has presented eighteen key demands aimed at preventing potential strikes. These include:
- Immediate withdrawal of the circular on the review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the federal public service dated June 27, 2025.
- Correction of consequential adjustments in line with the 2001, 2009, and 2014 CBAs.
- Correction of the relativity agreed upon between CONMESS and CONHESS.
- Compliance with relativity in all professional allowances as outlined in the 2001 CBA, particularly regarding call duty allowances.
- Payment of all accrued backlogs.
- Immediate payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for 2025 and an upward review of the MRTF to reflect current economic realities.
- Convocation of long-overdue Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations on CONMESS.
- Release of a circular on clinical duty and other allowances for honorary consultants as agreed in January 2024.
- Implementation of scarce skills allowances for medical consultants.
- Approval of specialist allowances for all doctors.
- Approval of excess workload allowances for all doctors.
- Compliance with the 2021 CBA on hazard allowance.
Dr. Oreyemi also criticized a recent statement made by the former spokesperson of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, who claimed that his late principal would have died earlier if treated in Nigeria. The NMA chairman described this comment as reckless and inappropriate.
“Medicine is universal, and Nigerian doctors are among the best physicians and surgeons anywhere in the world. Our politicians should endeavor to invest in the country’s health sector, just as is done in the countries they frequently run to for medical assistance,” he said.
The NMA continues to advocate for fair treatment and better working conditions for healthcare professionals. Their demands highlight the need for the government to prioritize the welfare of those who serve on the front lines of public health.